Technical Research Assistant - Human Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Data Systems (Research Professional 2)
About The Job
The Herman/Darrow Lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Technical Research Assistant (Research Professional 2) to join our group. The Technical Research Assistant will be a hands-on member of an interdisciplinary human neuroscience team, providing long-term technical continuity for experimental systems, research data infrastructure, and participant/patient studies. Working under the direction of senior lab staff, the successful candidate will set up and troubleshoot equipment; verify trigger timing and synchronization; support stimulation, EEG, electrophysiology, and behavioral experiments; and curate, document, and integrate complex datasets. This is an execution-focused role rather than an independent investigator position. It is well suited to a detail-oriented, persistent problem solver who enjoys connecting hardware, software, data, and people and who wants to build deep expertise over a sustained period. Opportunities to contribute to analysis, presentations, and publications may be available based on interest and project needs.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
35% - Experimental Systems and Equipment Operations: Configure, test, maintain, and troubleshoot electrophysiology, stimulation, behavioral, and data-acquisition systems used across lab studies. Verify trigger/TTL routing, timing, synchronization, signal quality, cables, interfaces, and software settings; coordinate maintenance, repairs, and inventory.
30% - Data Curation and Research Infrastructure: Organize, standardize, quality-check, document, and transfer multimodal research data; maintain file structures, metadata, data dictionaries, and issue logs. Develop and maintain scripts and repeatable workflows that support ongoing datasets, repository integration, and handoff of routine data operations from senior staff.
20% - Study Execution and Participant/Patient Support: Prepare equipment and research spaces; set up and run stimulation, EEG, electrophysiology, and behavioral sessions under approved protocols. Support participant and patient visits, coordinate with clinical and research teams, monitor data collection, and resolve technical problems in real time.
10% - Documentation, Training, and Collaboration: Create SOPs, checklists, troubleshooting guides, and training materials; train lab members in equipment setup, data handling, and quality-control procedures. Communicate technical status and risks clearly and collaborate with investigators, engineers, clinicians, coordinators, and trainees across studies.
5% - Laboratory Operations and Compliance: Maintain equipment and data records, assist with purchasing and inventory, support IRB, safety, and quality requirements, and contribute to lab meetings and process improvement.
Qualifications
BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot research hardware, software, or integrated technical systems using a systematic and persistent approach.
Experience working with scientific data files and basic programming or scripting in Python, MATLAB, R, or a similar language.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow, document, and improve standard operating procedures.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work effectively with research participants, clinical staff, investigators, and trainees.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment, including occasional evenings or weekends when participant or patient studies require it.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree or at least one year of relevant experience in a neuroscience, engineering, clinical research, or laboratory setting.
Experience setting up or operating EEG, ECoG/stereo-EEG, neural stimulation, behavioral testing, or physiological recording systems.
Familiarity with digital triggers and TTL signals, data-acquisition hardware, event timing, synchronization, or experimental control software.
Experience with Linux, Git, REDCap or other databases, BIDS or other research data standards, and reproducible data organization.
Experience curating, quality-checking, documenting, transferring, or integrating multimodal human research datasets and external repositories.
Familiarity with human-subjects research, clinical environments, electronics or instrumentation, or hands-on equipment maintenance.
About The Department
The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences consists of an outstanding team of researchers, clinicians, and educators who provide world-class expertise in psychiatric illness, treatment, scholarship, and scientific discovery. Our Mission Is To Create and disseminate new knowledge in the science of mental health Provide effective and innovative clinical care programs to alleviate the suffering of mental illness and promote mental resilience Train the next generation of interprofessional experts who will be leaders in Minnesota and beyond Engage in compassionate and vigorous outreach and advocacy on issues relevant to psychiatric illness, treatment, and research You can find more information on our website at https://med.umn.edu/psychiatry.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: Salary range is $59,000 - $62,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
About University Of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.